1. Social Skills Group 9 th Grade Boys with Attention Disorders Ann Vrabel, RN, BSN Multnomah Education Service District

2. Project Implementation: School Characteristics Suburban Public High School, Grades 9-12 2500 Students 80% Caucasian, 12% Latino, 8% Other Minorities 30% Free Lunch Eligible

3. Need Determination Large number of 8 th graders in feeder schools on daily medications Few requests for high school medication administration or follow up Where are these missing kids? How well do they transition and self manage? Curiosity and personal interest

4. School Receptiveness “Medical” Arena School Counselors School Administrators Teachers Students and Parents Response

5. Recruitment of Members Search of school records Feedback from middle school teachers, counselors, nurses Student questionnaire Individual interviews

6. Findings 15 of 21 students interviewed currently on medication School numbers similar to literature reports: 9:1 male to female ratio Strong level of interest in participation Limited understanding of diagnosis and implications

7. Parent Consent Mailing: Parent Survey Student Progress Report Permission Form Telephone Follow Up

8. Plan for Measurement of Outcomes Pre & Post Conners-Wells Self Report (1997) (ADHD, Hyperactivity, Inattention, Conduct) Statistical analysis School Progress Reports, Report Cards Teacher & parent input Behavioral/ Discipline Referrals

9. Group Format 8 boys, all 9 th graders 1 hour per week for 10 weeks Rotating group times Started after 1 st Report Cards

10. Group Activities Snacks Manipulatives: e.g. Stressballs, Koosh* Balls, Silly Putty* Problem Solver Game Communicator Game Skill Streaming Activities

11. Student Evaluation Fun and Supportive Break in Routine Camaraderie Increased understanding

12. Staff and Parent Evaluations Increased social maturity Improved self-responsibility Improved coping abilities Positive impact on school success

13. Lessons Learned Personal & professional satisfaction Value of co-facilitation Need for structure & flexibility Need for school & professional consultation & collaboration

14. Positive Outcomes Medication compliance Connectedness, normalcy New skills- coping, strategies Improved understanding: ongoing implications

15. Recommendations Tap into the School Nurse Energizing, Fun Group of Kids Go For It!